Million-dollar promise: Devastating loss drives a dad’s bold quest for a cure

Ren Pedersen’s life changed forever the day his daughter Amy started tripping over her own feet. 

At first, it seemed like a simple case of ill-fitting thongs—nothing a quick trip to the shops couldn’t fix. But as Amy’s symptoms grew stranger—her head tilting, her eyes flickering—Ren’s world began to unravel. 

The diagnosis that followed was every parent’s nightmare: diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive brain cancer with no known cure. 

Amy, a vivacious nine-year-old with strawberry-blonde hair and a love for ballet, fought bravely for 16 months. 

She left behind not just memories, but dozens of handwritten notes for her dad—messages of hope and encouragement, even as her illness stole her ability to write with her right hand. ‘Don’t give up, Dad,’ she wrote, her determination shining through even as her body failed her.

For Ren, those notes became both a source of comfort and a call to action. Grief-stricken but resolute, he channelled his pain into a mission: to fight for a cure so that no other family would have to endure what his had. 

With no medical background but a heart full of purpose, Ren began knocking on doors—those of Australia’s top oncologists and neurosurgeons, many of whom he’d met during Amy’s treatment.

He asked a simple but powerful question: ‘What can I do as a father to empower you to save these kids in the future?’ 

The answer was clear: research needed tumour samples, and there was no system in place to collect them. 

Ren worked with grieving families and medical professionals to create protocols for tumour donation, leading to the establishment of Australia’s first DIPG tumour bank at the Children’s Cancer Institute in 2011.

This was just the beginning. Over the past 15 years, Australian researchers have made significant strides in understanding and treating DIPG. 

In 2021, a team led by Associate Professor David Ziegler at the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, published groundbreaking research on a new drug combination that dramatically improved survival rates in pre-clinical trials. 

And just this year, a major study revealed that a small but significant percentage of children with DIPG carry genetic changes—such as mutations in the BRCA gene—previously associated with other cancers. 

This discovery could open the door to new, targeted therapies and a better understanding of how these devastating tumours develop.

But as Ren knows all too well, scientific breakthroughs mean little if they don’t reach the children who need them. ‘What we’ve got to do is get these treatments to the bedsides of the children,’ he says. 

That’s why, in November last year, he launched ‘Ren’s Million Dollar Mission’—a bold campaign to raise $1 million for the Children’s Cancer Institute. His plan? Find 1000 individuals or companies willing to donate $1000 each.

It’s an ambitious goal, especially in a year when his hometown of Townsville has been battered by floods and hardship. 

But Ren’s determination is unwavering. ‘Surely there’s got to be 1000 people across Australia with $1000 who can tap on a credit card,’ he says. So far, he’s raised $110,000 in Townsville alone, and he’s now taking his mission to bigger cities, starting with Sydney.

Ren’s story is a testament to the power of love, loss, and the unbreakable human spirit. He’s not just raising money—he’s raising hope for families facing the unimaginable.

And he’s proof that you don’t need a medical degree to make a difference; sometimes, all it takes is the courage to ask, ‘What can I do?’—and the determination to never give up.

The bigger picture: Why DIPG research matters

DIPG is a particularly cruel disease, striking mostly children between the ages of five and nine.

Its location in the brainstem makes it inoperable, and current treatments offer only temporary relief.

The average survival time is less than a year from diagnosis. Yet, because it’s rare, DIPG receives only a fraction of the research funding allocated to more common cancers.

Ren’s efforts—and those of the researchers he supports—are helping to change that. By raising awareness and funds, they’re ensuring that DIPG is no longer overlooked. 

Every dollar raised brings us closer to new treatments, and every breakthrough offers hope to families who, until recently, had none.

How you can help

Ren’s Million Dollar Mission is a reminder that collective action can drive real change. Whether you’re able to donate, share his story, or simply raise awareness about DIPG, every effort counts. 

If you’d like to contribute or learn more, visit the Children’s Cancer Institute website or follow Ren’s journey on social media.

Your turn: Share your thoughts

Have you or someone you know been touched by childhood cancer? What are your thoughts on Ren’s mission and the importance of medical research? 

We’d love to hear your stories, reflections, and words of encouragement in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation—and the hope—alive.

Also read: Australian study uncovers new gene therapy that could protect you from cancer

Don Turrobia
Don Turrobia
Don is a travel writer and digital nomad who shares his expertise in travel and tech. When he is not typing away on his laptop, he is enjoying the beach or exploring the outdoors.

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